About the Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Your academic mentor will serve as a knowledgeable and experienced guide and resource, a trusted ally and advocate, and a caring role model to you. Your mentor is someone whose advice and encouragement you will seek regarding decisions about classes, majors, academic difficulties, and personal problems (by recommending you to meet with the appropriate outside sources).

To remain eligible for the 24/7 online tutoring service through Pear Deck Tutor and to maximize the benefits and effectiveness of this mentoring relationship, we ask that you commit to this relationship for at least one full semester and meet regularly with your assigned mentor throughout the semester.

What Your Academic Mentor Does

• Your mentor will meet with you weekly or biweekly, for 15 to 30 minutes each time.
• Your mentor will complete an individualized success plan (ISP) with you at the beginning of each semester.
• Your mentor is here to assist and motivate you by helping you identify academic and personal goals for the semester.
• Your academic mentor will make every effort to keep a flexible and open schedule for you within reason. 
• Your academic mentor is available for mentoring and advice on your college career.
• Your academic mentor will help you work through various problems by connecting you with the appropriate outside resources. 
• Your academic mentor can help you learn how to study, take notes, and prepare for an exam or quiz. Ask your mentor about study methods and additional resources.
• Your academic mentor and you must be punctual for appointments and respect each other’s time.
• Your academic mentor will keep you updated on how many reward points you have accumulated. 

What Your Academic Mentor Does Not Do

• Your academic mentor cannot meet with you at the last minute. Appointments can be made here: wmich.edu/peermentoring/mentors
• Your academic mentor will not complete assignments for you or tell you what to write for papers.
• Your academic mentor can help you navigate the 24/7 online tutoring service, but your meetings are not a substitute for your regular homework and study time. 
• Your academic mentor cannot meet with students who are not Mentoring for Success Program participants and who do not meet our funding agency’s eligibility requirements. 
• Your academic mentor is not a teacher or a supplemental instruction (SI) leader and does not know what your instructor has said in lectures or will put on quizzes and exams.

How Is a Mentor Different From a Tutor?

• Your relationship with your academic mentor is a long-term relationship and commitment.
• Your academic mentor's goals are focused on overall development and college success.
• The intervention provided by your academic mentor may not always be reparative, remedial, or problem-focused; rather, it focuses on supporting and guiding you as you transition to and through college life.
• Instead of focusing on course content, your academic mentor will
• help you develop and enhance good study habits and learning techniques that will be useful throughout your college career, and
• take into account your unique needs and diverse learning styles and adapt their mentoring approaches accordingly.

Source: MENTOR National

Tips for Making the Most of Mentoring

1. Meet regularly at the same time and place for your sessions. Each session should be 15 to 30 minutes long and will take place in 2275 Ellsworth Hall.
2. Come prepared with questions or a general idea of what you would like to discuss.
3. Call your academic mentor (rather than email) at least one hour in advance if a meeting needs to be cancelled. Promptly reschedule any canceled meetings.
4. Let your academic mentor know in advance if you would like to add an extra session that week so your mentor can set aside some additional times.  
5. Your academic mentor can help you work through challenges and refer you to the appropriate resources; your role is to maintain active participation and consistent effort toward achieving your academic and personal goals.